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Questions and Answers

Change of name in Birth Certificate

Question: My name is given as M. Kasturiarachchi in the British Certificate, issued in Lanka. I am now an American citizen. In all documents, pay records, passport, citizenship certificate my name appears as M. Kasturi (abbreviated for convenience). I intend to apply for dual citizenship prior to settling here.

Please let me know whether I could change the name in my Birth Certificate to read as M. Kasturi to avoid problem.

If so, please let met know the steps I should take to get it done.

M. Kasturi, Boralesgamuwa.

Answer: The procedure to change your name in the Birth Certificate is the same process as to be followed for change of name. You have to first inform the public of your change of name from M. Kasturiarachchi to M. Kasturi by publishing in the newspapers.

You have to also inform the Grama Seva Niladhari in writing and get his acknowledgement similarly you have to inform your banks of your change of name and use the new name for at least one year.

After which you can apply to the Divisional Secretary's office requesting for the change of your name in the Birth Certificate. The above relevant proof should be produced such as newspaper advertisement, having informed the GSN and correspondence with your bank etc. Both in your old name as well as your new name you have to state in full what 'M' stands for (first name in full). In your case since you have been already using the name 'M. Kasturi' you have to check with the DS office whether you have to wait for one year or not after advertising in the newspaper.

Eppawala phosphate contents

Question: Phosphate minerals are a group of naturally occuring insoluble inorganic salts of phosphoric acid (H3 PO4). Eppawala ore contains several of these minerals (apatites); they are complex forms of calcium phosphate not soluble in water. What are the main types of apatites in Eppawala phosphate ore? Is it any of the following compounds?

Apatite Ca5 (F, Cl, OH) (PO4)3

Fluorapatite Ca5 (PO4)3 F2

Hydroxylapatite Ca5 (PO4)3 OH

Dr. B. G. Punchihewa, Ratmalana.

Answer: We are sorry for the delay in replying your question as the delay was in obtaining an answer due to the highly technical nature of this question. No one is able to give an exact answer as the contents are not consistent within the Eppawala ore. We hope some reader who has more information on this subject will respond by writing to us. From the information available to us, it is more likely that there is a greater presence of fluorapatite Ca5 (PO4)3 F2. Trust this answer is of assistance to you.

Arbitrary variation of interest by Finance Companies

Question: While I invested a large sum of money in a leading Finance Company. When I called over to collect the proceeds on maturity I realised that:

(a) The agreed rate of interest at the time of deposit, had been drastically reduced.

(b) Inexplainable amount of money deducted as 'miscellaneous charges'.

Despite expressing my total dissatisfaction in respect of the reach of the terms and conditions of deposit. The authorities only provided conflicting reasons. Totally disappointed and deceived, I wrote numerous letters expressing my disagreement with the computation of interest and irregular deductions, and being subject to financial loss.

Since the Finance Company has ignored my numerous written representations and not even provided a reply please advice what course of action is available to me? Can I make representations to the Central Bank? Please advise.

Mrs. S. D. Bulankulame, Battaramulla.

Answer: There are several finance companies that are not registered with the Central Bank. Hope the finance company you have chosen is a registered one. Due to problems with certain finance companies, the Central Bank publishes in the newspapers, the names of registered (authorised) finance companies.

If this finance company is a registered finance company you can first complain the Financial Ombudsman by a written complaint addressed to the above, at 143A, Vajira Road, Colombo 5. The Financial Ombudsman will call both parties concerned and resolve the matter after calling for an explanation from the Finance Company in the first place.

If it is not a registered finance company, the Financial Ombudsman will not be able to deal with them. In which case you should write to the Central Bank who will first take action on the existence of such a finance company. The Central Bank will not resolve your interest dispute. Whether this finance company is registered, you can check from the Financial Ombudsman's office by calling tel. No. 2595625.

Nomination for fixed Pension anomaly

Question: I was an officer of the Provincial Public Service, attached to the Colombo Municipal Council was an Administrative Officer and retired from service with effect from 04.02.03. I was promoted to the Super grade of the clerical service on 1.7.97, according to the results of a competitive exam and the relevant salary scale of that grade was Rs. 901,220 - 16-2460 - 129,480 and when I retired my pension was calculated accordingly.

I may mention that even after a lapse of 5 years I received a paltry sum as pension whereas officers of similar grade get enhance pensions. Recently on 27.11.08, to be exact, the Secretary of the Government Services Pension Fund, Colombo Branch in a press release published in the Dinamina newspaper has given the salary scales of various categories of government employees which had been effective from 01.01.97, and according to same the starting salary of a Super Grade Officer in government service as at 01.01.97 is Rs. 14,616.62 p.m. and its corresponding scale as Rs. 26,046.40 p.m. w.e.f. 01.01.2006 as per the 2006 salary revision. In terms of that report if the starting salary of a super grade officer is Rs. 14,616.62 p.m. in 1997 I feel my pension too should be calculated accordingly as I retired in 2003, but I am getting a much lesser amount, and I am yet to receive a similar amount even after a lapse of 5 years. I know the authorities have not yet decided to implement the recommendations of the 2006 circular to the pensioners who retired prior to 2005, but don't you think my pension should be prepared at least according to the 1997 salary point? If an officer who retired prior to 1997 is entitled to that salary for the computation of his pension, surely I who retired after six years too should get the benefits of that particular circular?

I wrote to the Director Pensions under registered cover (copy attached) and to the relevant Divisional Secretary but regret to note I am yet to get any response from either party. I believe I am being under paid, so I would be grateful to you if you could sort this out with the authorities and help me to get over this anomaly in my pension. In conclusion my humble thanks for the services you are rendering for the helpless.

N. N. Nanayakkara, Gampaha.

Answer: We contacted the office of the Director Pensions. According to them your matter has to be taken up with the Colombo Municipal Council. The place where you worked last, prior to going on pension and this office would have in fact prepared your pension papers. The Divisional Secretary will be making your pension payment as advised by the Colombo Municipal Council at the time of your retirement. Neither the office of the Director Pensions nor the Divisional Secretary can adjust your pension, further they do not know about your promotion to the Super Grade on 01.07.93 suggests you take up your pension anomaly with the Colombo Municipal Council, failing which let us know so that we can help you by contracting relevant persons at the CMC.